In 2007, a consumer group called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 33 popular lipstick brands and found that 61 percent of them contained potentially harmful levels of lead. If you'd rather not ditch lipstick altogether but are concerned about safety issues, you can make your own with natural ingredients, like this version for red lipstick from beet juice.
Pour the beet juice into the glass bowl. It will be fairly thin and bright red.
Place the beet juice bowl in the microwave. Cover the top with a sheet of wax paper, if desired, to prevent spills. Begin heating the beet juice one minute at a time until the water begins to evaporate and the juice becomes thicker in consistency, about as thick as cream. This make several minutes, depending on your microwave and climate.
Remove the bowl from the microwave using the pot holders. Place the bowl on a hot pad to cool.
Add the beeswax and the glycerin when the bowl is cool enough to handle. Return the bowl to the microwave, cover again with wax paper if desired and microwave the mixture one minute at a time until the wax and glycerin are just melted.
Remove the bowl carefully using pot holders and place on the hot pad. Using the wooden stirrer or chopstick, mix until everything is well-blended.
Add the vitamin E oil slowly and blend well. If the mixture becomes too thick or begins to harden before you are finished mixing, return to the microwave and heat for 30 seconds.
Using the small spatula, fill the lip gloss-style pots or vials with the mixture. Allow to cool completely before placing on the caps.
Tips
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Use a lipstick brush to apply the lipstick out of the pots.
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If you want a deeper red color, try using beetroot powder instead of beet juice. Beetroot powder is available at specialty spice shops.
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